文档介绍：A brief introduction of the author
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William Somerset Maugham
>> A famous British novelist and playwright. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest paid author during the 1930s.
>> He was born in a lawyer's family. His parents died early, so his uncle brought him back to England. He studied medicine in university but later, instead, he turned to write.
>> His work often takes a sober, objective and even critical attitude to look at life, with a detachment of irony and pity . He has a large readership at home and abroad.
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Timeline:
>> 1874 - Born on the 25th of January.
>> 1905 - Of Human Bondage, another novel written during this period appeared.
>> 1916 - Maugham travelled to the Pacific to research his novel The Moon And Sixpence, based on the life of Paul Gauguin.
>> 1917 - Syrie and Maugham were married.
>> 1922 - Maugham produced a book of 58 short story sketches.
>> 1927 -His play, The Letter, was performed in London.
>> 1944 - The Razor's Edge was published.
>> 1954 - He wrote his memoir Looking Back.
>> 1965 - Died on the 16th of December.
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A summary of the novel
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>> This story is based on the French impressionist painter Paul gauguin's life.
>> It describes an ordinary London stock broker Strickland, who was addicted to the art, abandoned his wife and children, abandoned his wealthy and happy life, went to went to Paris, determined to find his art. Five years later, Strickland was down and out, but he was still in his dream and never regretted it. In the pursuit of art, his talent was gradually recognized.
Later he went to the south Pacific Tahiti. He composed his bright life with pen, and Injected his value of life into the canvas. Then he married a native womanand had three children. But not for long, his children died and he suffered from leprosy. The struggle of poverty and the torment of the disease didn't hit him down. He just reg